The Gwennili Trust
THE GWENNILI TRUST
A company limited by guarantee Charity No. 1049041 Company No. 03091887
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Legal and Administrative Information | 2 |
| Report of the Management Committee | 3 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 |
1
The Gwennili Trust
The Gwennili Trust
Trustees Annual Report for the Year ended 31 December 2021
The Trust Committee presents its Directors report and financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2021.
Reference and Administrative Information
Charity Name The Gwennili Trust Charity registration number 1049041, Company registration number 03091887 Incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 16 August 1995 Registered Office and Operating address: Oakside, 1 Marlborough Road, Burbage, Wiltshire SN8 3AU
Principal activity
The principal activity of the Trust throughout the year was the provision of the relief of the physically or mentally disabled – in particular ex-servicemen and women, young persons and those in necessitous circumstances – by the provision of nautical, recreational and educational facilities on board appropriate vessels or training facilities. The primary beneficiaries for sail cruises are Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS) personnel and military veterans. Sailing on the South Coast we have developed an important relationship with the Personnel Recovery Centre at Tidworth in direct support of their WIS, similarly with the Personnel Recovery Unit in HMS Drake and WIS in HMS Raleigh. We support Stoll, the Not Forgotten Association, the Battle Back programme, the Alabare Trust (Boots on the Ground) and associated Armed Forces Breakfast Club members.
Directors
The directors constitute trustees of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006 and trustees of the charity for the purposes of the Charities Act 1993.
The following directors were in office at 31st December 2021 having served throughout the year and are The Management Committee:
J. P. Thornton (Chairman) J. L. Moore (Treasurer) S. Nash (Day Sails and Races Co-ordinator) J. Whitney (DBS) G.T.S. Peacey (Secretary, Admin and Compliance Officer)
There were no changes to the Directors or Trustees during the year 2021.
As the company is a company limited by guarantee, the directors of the company are required to be members of the company. The directors as members have each agreed to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 in the event of the company being wound up.
Bankers
– CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ
- Scottish Widows Bank, PO Box 12757, Edinburgh, EH3 8YJ
– Lloyds Bank plc, Blackheath London Branch, PO Box 1000, BX1 1LT
Results and dividends
Net incoming resources for the year £33,597 (2020: £17,652), Expenditure for the year £55,919 (2020: £14,434). Results: 2021 loss of -£22,322 (2020 £14,434) The company is not empowered to make a dividend payment. The Balance Sheet shows accumulated funds of £30,404 as at 31[st] December 2021 (2020: £52,726). All assets of the charity are used in the direct furtherance of the charity’s objectives.
2
The Gwennili Trust
Our Aims and objectives
Purposes and Aims: Our charity’s purposes as set out in the objects contained in the company’s memorandum of association are:
The relief of the physically or mentally disabled – in particular ex-service men and women – young persons and those in necessitous circumstances, by the provision of nautical, recreational, and educational facilities on board the vessel Gwennili or any similar vessel and training facility.
Ensuring our work delivers our aims: We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review looks at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to those groups of people we are set up to help. The review also helps us ensure our aim, objectives and activities remained focused on our stated purposes. We have taken note of the Charities SORP and the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general Guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing our aim and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
The Focus of our Activities
The focus of our activities continues to be Day Sails, Cruises, Practical and Assessment courses and Races, for the respite and relief of physically or mentally disabled persons. The primary beneficiaries for sail cruises are Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS) personnel and military veterans. Sailing on the South Coast we have developed an important relationship with the Personnel Recovery Centre at Tidworth in direct support of their WIS, similarly with the Personnel Recovery Unit in HMS Drake and WIS in HMS Raleigh. We support Stoll, the Not Forgotten Association, the Battle Back programme, the Alabare Trust (Boots on the Ground) and associated Armed Forces Breakfast Club members.
How our activities deliver public benefit
The Trust uses yacht sailing activities to give relief, promote confidence and develop self reliance in physically or mentally disabled persons. This enables them to re-establish their sense of self worth and regain their place in society. We continue to partnership with the Disabled Sailors Association/RoRo and through chartering Spirit of Scott Bader for over 70 day sails we have supported the children of Treloar College and of Crofton School, the Hampshire MS Support Group, Sailability groups, Strokeability groups, care homes and veterans’ outreach groups. We completed the Round the Island Race in Scott Bader coming 3rd in class. The 2021 season began in May operating within restrictive Covid regulations, the scale of activity increased from late June and we halted our sailing in mid October. We were at sea on 143 days and a total of 388 people sailed with the Trust in 2021.
How our clients benefitted
Through sailing a yacht our beneficiaries (re)gain a sense of purpose. Equal access to our activities is an important issue for us. We believe this to be vital to our success and that successful outcomes must be shared by all communities that use our services.
Cruising and Racing
The Trust organises cross Channel cruises, several cruises from the Solent to Weymouth and a number of cruises within the Solent, all providing for the relief of those with disabilities who would not otherwise be able to participate in these activities. In 2022 the Trust will enter the Round The Island Race with a conventional yacht. There will be disabled people in the crew (one an Italian military veteran, who is a wheelchair user from Trieste, joins us as the result of a liaison with the North Adriatic Fleet.)
Blind Week Contribution
Our annual contribution to Blind Week, hosted alternately by South Coast Yacht Clubs, from the Isle of Wight or Plymouth, is by the provision of a chartered yacht with a volunteer skipper, two mates and three Blind people as crew. In 2022 Blind Veterans UK will sail with us. We also accommodate individual veterans who approach us in person.
3
The Gwennili Trust
Financial Review
At the inception of the Trust we made two decisions which have proved fundamental to our success and continuing existence: we would not own any vessels (no marina or maintenance costs) and we would not employ anybody. This format has ensured that our funds are used exclusively to meet our Objectives.
A Voluntary Organisation
We are an entirely voluntary organisation with five hands-on Trustees, some of whom are involved as Skippers or Mates during the sailing season (April to October) and in the Management Team throughout the year. This team includes Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Administrator, Day Sailing and Racing Coordinator, and Compliance Manager. In addition we now have a PR specialist and a Fundraising coordinator. Our volunteers (40+) are the Trust’s greatest asset. There are currently 12 Skippers and whilst our minimum qualification level is high, at MCA/RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with a Commercial Endorsement, a number of them hold even more advanced maritime certification. There are 25 people on the current Mates list, the minimum qualification is RYA Day Skipper though most are more highly qualified. It is heartening that 9 of these volunteers are new to the Trust and we look forward to welcoming them on board.
Principal Funding Sources
Our funds this year have come from a wide range of donors and the Gwennili Trust is continually grateful for the charitable support provided to us. From 2021 and looking forward to the 2022 sailing season we acknowledge the generous assistance of: • Preston Turnbull LLP • Team Army/Team Ethos • The Veteran’s Foundation • Trinity House • The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity • The RAF Benevolent Fund • The Rotary Club of London • The Maurits Mulder Trust • The Hammond Innes Bursary administered by ASTO • The United Grand Lodge of England • United Kingdom Sailing Academy.
Beneficiaries and carers make a small contribution, as applicable, to each sail and daily contribution towards food and fuel for cruises. We negotiate special rates with other charity organizations and ensure that all charter costs are reasonable. However, the time has come when we have to use commercial yacht charter companies, this has put up costs. Our financial plan is to increase our reserve to help with this situation.
Against the backdrop of limited resources and competition for funding, the Trust has continued to develop its services. With the aid of sound financial management and the support of both its staff and volunteers we try to generate a positive financial outcome for the period. However, in 2021 and due to COVID-19 and increased charter costs, we made a loss of £22,322. Of this £15,000 was restricted funds carried over from 2020.
Investments
Aside from retaining a prudent amount in reserves each year most of the Trust’s funds are to be spent in the short term so there are few funds for long term investment. Having considered the options available, the Management Committee has decided to deposit the small amount that it has available in a Scottish Widows deposit account. The interest is very small but we want security as a priority. An ongoing review of investment policies takes place each year.
Reserves Policy
The Management Committee has examined the Trust’s requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the Trust. It has been established that a policy is needed, whereby the unrestricted funds not committed, should be one year of the expenditure. Budgeted expenditure for 2021 was £53,050 and therefore our target for 2022 is £53,000 in general funds at the start of the financial year. These reserves are needed to meet the working capital requirements of the Trust and the Management Committee are confident that at this level they would be able to continue the current activities of the Trust in the event of a significant drop in funding. However, the Management Committee is well aware that it is unlikely that the target range can be reached for at least five years (2021 £30,404 carried forward to the start of the 2022 accounting year).. In the short term the Management Committee has also considered the extent to which existing activities and expenditure could be curtailed, should such circumstances arise.
4
The Gwennili Trust
Plans for Future Periods
The Trust plans continuing the activities outlined above in the forthcoming years subject to satisfactory funding arrangements.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document: The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 16 August 1995 and registered as a charity on 7 September 1995. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
Governance: The Trust implemented GDPR in 2017 and we fully comply with its terms. There were no incidents in 2021 and the procedures and requirements were reviewed in 2021. Also in 2021 the Governance, Equality and Diversity, and Safeguarding policies were updated and brought into line with the latest requirements of the Charity Commission. Again there were no incidents in 2021.
Recruitment and Appointment of Management Committee
The five directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company’s Articles are known as members of the Management Committee. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a period of three years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
All members of the Management Committee give their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in note 7 to the accounts.
Trustee and Committee Members Induction and Training
Most trustees and committee members are already familiar with the practical work of the Trust Additionally, all trustees are invited and encouraged to view a series of short training sessions (of no more than an hour) to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within which it operates. These cover:
The obligations of Management Committee members,
The main documents which set out the operational framework for the Trust including the Memorandum and Articles, and Policies and Procedures (These must be read annually) Resourcing and the current financial position as set out in the latest published accounts Future plans and objectives.
For the Trustees, Directors and committee members a Question & Answer pack will be prepared drawing on information from the various Charity Commission publications signposted through the Commission’s guide “the Essential Trustee” as a follow up to these sessions.
Risk Management
The Management Committee has conducted a review of the major risks to which the Trust is exposed. A risk register has been established and is updated at least annually, where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the Trust faces. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers and beneficiaries. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity. The Trust’s Financial Controls are reviewed annually.
This year, 2021, the Charity Commission published an Internal Financial Controls check list. We have taken note of its contents and have reviewed our controls accordingly.
Responsibilities of the Management Committee
Company law requires the Management Committee to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company as at the
5
The Gwennili Trust
balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the management committee should follow best practice and:
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is not appropriate to assume that the company will continue on that basis.
The Management Committee is responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. The Management Committee is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Members of the Management Committee
Members of the Management Committee, who are directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 3.
In accordance with company law, as the company’s directors, we certify that:
In so far as we are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s examiner is unaware; and
As the directors of the company we have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant examining information and to establish that the charity’s examiner is aware of that information.
Accounts Examination
Mr R.D Barnes BSc(Eng), CEng, ACGI, formerly MD of a Siemens Plessey and a BAE Systems Company, has examined the accounts. They were signed off on 23 February 2022.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (issued in March 2005) and in accordance with the special provisions of Part VII of the Companies Act 1985 relating to small entities.
Approved by the Management Committee on 2 March 2022 and signed on its behalf by:
J. P. Thornton Colonel (Retired) Chairman, Trustee and Director
6
The Gwennili Trust
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME and EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021
| Incoming Resources Donations and Grants Contributions for charitable objectives Bank Interest Contribution towards PR Items Refunds / Transfers In Total Incoming Resources Resources Expended Direct charitable expenditure Charter Fees and related expenses Refunds / Transfers Out Insurance Total Charitable Expenditure Management and administration of the charity Printing, postage, stationary, marketing Affiliation fees - ASA/ASTO Total Resources Expended Funds Transferred Net Incoming Resources Fund Balances brought forward Fund balances carried forward Restricted Funds: Unrestricted Funds: |
Notes 2021 2020 £2,410 £16,438 £17,987 £1,166 £7 £47 £0 £0 £13,200 £0 £33,597 £17,652 _ _ £40,396 £1,477 £13,200 £0 £1,309 £1,238 £54,905 £2,715 _ _ £669 £204 £345 £300 £55,919 £3,219 -£22,322 £14,434 £52,726 £38,292 _ _ £30,404 £52,726 _ _ £605 £20,834 £29,754 £32,392 |
|---|---|
Note:
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
7
The Gwennili Trust
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[ST] . DECEMBER 2020
| CURRENT ASSETS Stock of PR Items Cash on Deposit and at Bank Debtors TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS Creditors TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES ALOCATED FUNDS Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds |
Notes | 2021 £0 £30,404 £ 500 £30,904 £ 500 _____ £ 500 £30,404 £ 650 £29,754 |
2020 £0 £52,726 £ 500 £53,226 £ 0 _____ £ 0 £53,226 £20,834 £32,392 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 4 5a 5b |
These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part VII of the Companies Act 1985 relating to small entities.
Approved by the management committee on 2 March 2022 and signed on its behalf by:
J.P. Thornton Colonel (Retired) Chairman, Trustee and Director
Accounts examined by:
Date: 23 February 2022
R.D. Barnes, BSc(Eng), CEng, ACGI
8
The Gwennili Trust
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021
1. COMPANY STATUS AND MEMBERSHIP
The Company is limited by guarantee. The maximum contribution required by members is an amount not exceeding £1 in the event of the company being wound up. The Company, No. 03091887, is a registered Charity, No. 1049041.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- (a) Basis of preparation of financial statements. The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost accounting rules and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting by Charities.
The company has taken advantage of the exemption from preparing a cash flow statement conferred by Financial Reporting Standard No. 1 on the grounds that it is entitled to the exemptions available in Sections 476 and 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for small companies.
-
(b) Donations and voluntary income. Donations and voluntary income are accounted for gross when received.
-
(c) Income from trading activities. Income from trading activities represents the amount derived from the provision of goods and services which fall within the charitable company’s objects and ordinary activities stated net of value added tax.
In the opinion of the directors, none of the fees of the company are attributable to geographical markets outside the U.K.
-
(d) Allocation of costs. Costs are allocated between direct charitable and other expenditure according to the nature of the cost. Where items involve more than one category they are apportioned between the categories according to the nature of the cost.
-
STOCK OF PUBLIC RELATIONS ITEMS
The stock of PR items (caps, shirts, etc) has depreciated to zero. Banners and Leaflets are to be ordered in 2022.
| 4. CASH ON DEPOSIT AND AT BANK CAF Gold Account 80885462 CAF Current Account 00011628 Scottish Widows CAF 90 day A/C No. 50997530899 Lloyds Bank current account 44585860 |
2021 £10,743 £ 500 £11,000 £ 7,680 £ 29,924 |
2020 £35,098 £ 500 £11,000 £ 6,128 £ 52,726 |
|---|---|---|
-
5a. Debtors represent security deposit prepaid to UKSA, £500, in 2021.
-
5b. Creditors are an overpayment to RoRo of £480 in 2021.
9
The Gwennili Trust
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2021
6. GAINS AND LOSSES
There was recognised loss of -£22,322 in 2021.
7. DIRECTORS REMUNERATION
No remuneration was paid and no expenses were reimbursed to the directors during the year, except for those incurred as allowed by the company’s constitution.
No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year (2021 – Nil).
8. TAXATION
As a charity, The Gwennili Trust is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or s256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the Charity.
9. FUNDS
All the funds of the charity are unrestricted except for, £100 donated for use towards the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme activities, and £550 owed for cancelled Day Sails in 2020.
10. CONTINUITY OF ACTIVITIES
The Trust operates on the basis that it generates sufficient funds from voluntary income and voyage donations to cover costs.
10
Charity Name No (if any) THE GWENNILI TRUST 1049041 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period Period start date Period end date To from 01/01/2021 31/12/2021
Section A Receipts and payments
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 100 10,830 - - 6,957 - 2,303 7 13,200 200 33,597 - - - 33,597 669 14,690 - - 23,725 - 1,416 1,309 566 345 13,200 55,919 - - - 55,919 - 22,322 - 52,726 30,404 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total funds to the nearest £ 100 10,830 - - 6,957 - 2,303 7 13,200 200 33,597 - - - 33,597 669 14,690 - - 23,725 - 1,416 1,309 566 345 13,200 55,919 - - - 55,919 - 22,322 |
Total funds to the nearest £ 100 10,830 - - 6,957 - 2,303 7 13,200 200 33,597 - - - 33,597 669 14,690 - - 23,725 - 1,416 1,309 566 345 13,200 55,919 - - - 55,919 - 22,322 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donations | 100 | 3,604 | ||||
| DaySailing | 10,830 | 1,160 | ||||
| Cruises | - | - | ||||
| Med Cruise | - | - | ||||
| Yacht Charters | 6,957 | - | ||||
| TrainingCourses | - | - | ||||
| Grants / Bursaries | 2,303 | 12,834 | ||||
| Bank Interest | 7 | 47 | ||||
| Refunds IN | 13,200 | 7 | ||||
| Special Events | 200 | - | ||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
33,597 | 17,651 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
||||||
| - | ||||||
| - | - | |||||
| Sub total | - | - | ||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
||||||
| 17,651 | ||||||
| Administration | 669 | 204 | ||||
| DaySailing | 14,690 | 960 | ||||
| Cruises | - | - | ||||
| Med Cruise | - | - | ||||
| Clyde Cruises | 23,725 | - | ||||
| TrainingCourses | - | - | ||||
| Skipper/Mate expenses | 1,416 | - | ||||
| Insurance | 1,309 | 1,238 | ||||
| Racing& Blind Week | 566 | 123 | ||||
| Account and Agffiliation Fees | 345 | 300 | ||||
| Refund OUT | 13,200 | 394 | ||||
| Sub total | 55,919 | 3,219 | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
||||||
| - | ||||||
| - | ||||||
| Sub total | - | - | ||||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
||||||
| 3,219 | ||||||
| - 22,322 |
- | - | - 22,322 |
14,433 | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| 52,726 | - | - | 52,726 | 38,292 | ||
| 30,404 | - | - | 30,404 | 52,725 |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
23/02/2022
1
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B1 Cash funds |
Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Yacht security deposits Overpayments Cash at Bank Petty cash Details Details Details John Thornton Signature John L Moore |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 29,274 650 - - - - 29,274 650 Agreement Error Agreement Error Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 500 - 480 - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name John L Moore John Thornton |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
|||
| Date of approval |
|||
| John L Moore | John L Moore | 02/03/2022 | |
| John Thornton | John Thornton | 02/03/2022 |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
23/02/2022
2
The Gwennili Trust
Annual Report 2021
2021 Programme Operating within Restrictive Covid Regulations
143 Days at Sea 388 people sailed with the Trust 3[rd] in class in the Round the Island Race
Since 1995 the Gwennili Trust has provided for the relief of the physically and mentally disabled, in particular ex-Service people, offering respite and educational opportunities on board yachts.
The primary beneficiaries for sail cruises are Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS) personnel and military veterans. Sailing on the South Coast we have developed an important relationship with the Personnel Recovery Centre at Tidworth in direct support of their WIS, similarly with the Personnel Recovery Unit in HMS Drake and WIS in HMS Raleigh.
We support Stoll, the Not Forgotten Association, the Battle Back programme, the Alabare Trust (Boots on the Ground) and associated Armed Forces Breakfast Club members.
In 2022 Blind Veterans UK will sail with us. We also accommodate individual veterans who approach us in person.
The Trust continues in partnership with the Disabled Sailors Association/RoRo and through chartering Spirit of Scott Bader for over 70 day sails we have supported the children of Treloar College and of Crofton School, the Hampshire MS Support Group, Sailability groups, Strokeability groups, care homes and veterans’ outreach groups. We completed the Round the Island Race in Scott Bader coming 3[rd] in class.
The 2021 season began in May operating within restrictive Covid regulations, the scale of activity increased from late June and we halted our sailing in mid October. We were at sea on 143 days and a total of 388 people sailed with the Trust in 2021.
Though sailing a yacht our beneficiaries (re)gain a sense of purpose:
-
Discovery
-
Adventure
-
Exhilaration
-
Community
-
Camaraderie
-
Personal Achievement
-
Self Confidence
-
Freedom
-
Responsibility
-
Team Work
-
Physical Activity
-
Health
-
Respite
-
Self Reliance
-
Learning and Skills
The Trust offers grass roots, practical activity providing meaningful interventions for people affected by disability or disadvantage.
Direction and management of the Trust continues to be an all-volunteer activity and I acknowledge the burden placed on the Trustees. It is intended to appoint two new Trustees in 2022. Formal financial reports and accounts have been submitted to The Charity Commissioners and to Companies House.
Our volunteers are the Trust’s greatest asset. There are currently 12 Skippers and whilst our minimum qualification level is high, at MCA/RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with a Commercial Endorsement, a number of them hold even more advanced maritime certification. There are 25 people on the current Mates list, the minimum qualification is RYA Day Skipper though most are more highly qualified. It is heartening that 9 of these volunteers are new to the Trust and I look forward to welcoming them on board.
The Trust is an all-volunteer organisation and we do not fund Trustees, Skippers or Mates, in return for their time and efforts. Money raised by the Trust is spent to make offshore sailing accessible for our beneficiaries. Therefore, the Gwennili Trust is continually grateful for the charitable support provided to us. From 2021 and looking forward to the 2022 sailing season we acknowledge the generous assistance of:
-
Preston Turnbull LLP
-
Team Army/Team Ethos
-
The Veteran’s Foundation
-
Trinity House
-
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity
-
The RAF Benevolent Fund
-
The Rotary Club of London
-
The Maurits Mulder Trust
-
The Hammond Innes Bursary administered by ASTO
-
The United Grand Lodge of England
-
United Kingdom Sailing Academy
Key Developments in 2022
-
Our Solent based sailing cruises will use commercially chartered yachts.
-
Further develop identity and profile through improved branding. This will include:
-
Flags, banners and dodgers on chartered yachts.
-
Use of our principal sponsors’ logos.
-
Provision of badged clothing items for Skippers and Mates.
-
South West sailing chartering SV Olga.
-
Round the Island Race in chartered conventional yacht.
-
Create a development path for returning beneficiaries.
-
Team Building and engagement with Preston Turnbull LLP’s personnel.
-
Day Sailing support for The Lewis Moody Foundation.
JP Thornton Colonel (Retired) Chairman
06 January 2022
The Gwennili Trust
Summary of Achievements
1995 to 2021
The Gwennili Trust was established as a Charity (no.1049041) and Registered Company (no. 03091887) in 1995.
The relief of the physically or mentally disabled – in particular ex-servicemen and women – young persons and those in necessitous circumstances, by the provision of nautical, recreational and educational facilities on board the vessel Gwennili or any similar vessel and training facility.
At the start we made two decisions which have proved fundamental to our success and continuing existence: we would not own any vessels (no marina or maintenance costs) and we would not employ anybody. This format has ensured that a very high percentage of our funds is used exclusively to meet our objectives.
We are an entirely voluntary organisation with hands-on Trustees, some of whom are involved as Skippers or Mates during the sailing season (May to October) and in the Management Team throughout the year. This team includes Chairman, Treasurer, Administrator, Day Sailing Coordinator, Races Coordinator and Compliance Manager.
We charter coded yachts, provide a qualified Skipper and Mate as the sea staff and bring disabled beneficiaries on board, as the crew members, for offshore cruises. With the Disabled Sailors Association/ RoRo we facilitate day sails in the Solent. With Sail Tectona we provide cruising opportunities on a classic sailing vessel in the South West.
All our Skippers are in date RYA Yacht Masters Offshore (CE). Mates are at a minimum RYA Day Skippers. All Trustees, Skippers and 1[st] Mates are DBS vetted to the enhanced level. We operate from Port Solent for day sailing and other Solent harbours for cruising and training, we take part in racing in the Solent and have, Covid permitting, provided one cruise, annually, in the Mediterranean.
The website includes the sailing programme and images from our sailing for people with disabilities. This includes Blind Week in which we take part annually. We have contributed to the training for several high profile sailing events over the years e.g. Transatlantic races, The Fastnet Race and Cowes Week. We sail, with disabled crews, in the Round the Island Race. Covid-19 caused cancellation of planned activity in 2020 and in 2021 we completed a restricted sailing programme of 143 days at sea for the benefit of 388 people with disabilities.
In terms of statistics we have achieved the following since 1995:
RYA qualifications of: 2032 days at sea 1 Yachtmaster Offshore 7042 disabled clients 11 Coastal Skippers 951 of them wheelchair dependent 43 Day Skippers 62 Competent Crew
Our funds have come from a wide range of donors including Trinity House, ABF The Soldiers Charity, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, The RAF Benevolent Fund, ASTO, The Maurits Mulder Cancer Charity, Freemasons, Tesco plc, The Rotary Club of London, The Veterans Foundation, Team Army/Team Ethos and most recently from Preston Turnbull LLP. To all of the donors we are most grateful.
In this our 27[th] year our greatest asset is our team of volunteer Trustees, Skippers and Mates.
JP Thornton Colonel (Retired) Chairman
06 January 2022
Photo Gallery &Testimonials
A couple of snaps...
MS Support Group
I just feel so happy on the water, nothing matters. All the normal rubbish in your head just goes. He only found out he’d be doing the Round the Island Race two days ago and grins as he recalls:
You couldn’t print what I said when I heard I’d be doing it. I’ve never done anything like this in my life.
Visually Impaired Royal Navy Veteran
Covid had a lot to answer for and I was isolating myself for nearly 18 months with very little human contact. I would like to thank the Gwennili Trust for a brilliant week sailing and it was so good to spend time with a crew on a boat. Just to mix with people was brilliant and we all swopped email addresses. I am convinced that both of the guys from the Army learnt a lot and they seem to be very enthusiastic and said that they will both be taking up sailing in the near future one way or the other.
Royal Marine
After injuring myself I spent nearly three years in rehab. Sailing has helped with the healing process that you can’t achieve in a gym. The week away has given me more confidence as I have been able to spend time talking about my injury to new people and listening to them in return. It’s given me time to put my future plans into perspective and I have regained the hunger for adventure that I once had. Not only has this trip helped with my mental health but physically I have been able to take part in the rigging and running of the wooden ship without experiencing the pain from my injury, as you don’t have the time focus on the pain when you are trying to bring a topsail down in a force 4!
Army Iraq Veteran
I can’t tell you enough how rejuvenated, happy and thankful I am for the opportunity to take a break sailing with Gwennili. Sailing is something I’ll need more of in my life! Please do keep me in mind if opportunities of like nature arise again. Please extend my thanks to Gwennili. They were great.
Captions: Top Left: Wheelchair Centre: Spirit of Scott Bader Bottom Left: Strong Winds
Photo Gallery &Testimonials continued
A Veteran’s Charity
I would like to thank you and all involved in offering our beneficiaries last week’s unique sailing experience. We’ve had glowing feedback and alongside rest and recuperation I think this experience has helped build long lasting resilience and confidence that our beneficiaries will use as a springboard to reach their goals.
Thank you so much for letting me go on the boat for the race. I had a fantastic time, I shall remember this for the rest of my life.
Army Iraq Veteran
Thank you for a great week. Not only did I gain new skills and experiences, But I also gained new friends and refreshment for my soul.
Sailing is a sport and past time I will work towards embedding further into my lifestyle. It may take some time to get to the point of absolute affordability but I am glad I have a clear pathway of accreditation and organizations that can be of help.
Royal Navy
The past year has been long and stressful. With a lot of treatment and disappointment from the navy it has made me rather tired and fatigued. But I’m slowly getting my strength back week by week.
I love the outdoors and love being out at sea. Always wanted to sail and wish I had taken opportunities before. Absolutely amazing, I have learned so much and the staff have taught me so much. I’m so thankful for the opportunity and hope I can sail again some time.
Section A
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ Charity Name The Gwennili Trust members of On accounts for the year 31 December 2021 Charity no 1049041 ended (if any) Set out on pages 1 and 2 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
Independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
-
have not been met; or
-
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
-
Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
Signed: R.D Barnes Date: 23/02/2022 Name: Roger David Barnes Relevant professional BSc(Eng), CEng, ACGI qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: Giblet Ore, 2A Old Street
IER
March 2012
1
Hill Head, Hampshire
PO14 3HU
Section B
Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material problems.
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
IER
March 2012
2